PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) has announced that it will use its own logo in the upcoming Johor election.

       Party president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (pic) said the decision was made as it would be Muda's debut in the polls.

       “This is our first election and we are the underdogs. But we want to offer the best services and policy reforms if given a chance as the Opposition or in the future as the ruling government.

       "Even as Opposition, we want to be united, dignified, principled, with integrity and someone who will always fight for the issues faced by people in the state legislative assembly. So we will use the Muda logo and identity," Sinar Harian reported quoting the Muar MP.

       Muda has also reached an agreement with Amanah and DAP for the party to contest in six seats, namely Tenang, Bukit Kepong, Parit Raja, Machap, Puteri Wangsa and Bukit Permai.

       Syed Saddiq hoped that Johoreans would give Muda candidates a chance.

       Meanwhile, Syed Saddiq is evasive as to whether he will contest in the polls.

       He said the focus and priority right was to nominate a new face to carry the party's name instead of positioning himself.

       As such, he said, the move to announce Amira Aisya to contest in the Puteri Wangsa state seat as the first candidate to be chosen to represent Muda is also in line with the party's establishment.

       "The main reason we nominated Amira Aisya first, not me, not the other leaders, is because we want to highlight more new leaders, fresh, more visionary women to be in the team.

       "It's because we don't see Muda as just one figure or an individual. Muda is bigger than Syed Saddiq and I am indebted to the leaders and grassroots of the party who fought and served for so long.

       “Don’t expect positions, don’t expect contracts, don’t expect rewards because when joining Muda, this is a political start; we are not fancy, there is no support or networking everywhere,” he said.

       Nomination day for the Johor polls is set for Feb 26, while early voting will be on March 8 and polling on March 12.